KUALA LUMPUR – The Pakatan Harapan secretariat council has expressed concerns following Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador’s claims that an internal “cartel” aims to bring him down.
In a statement today, the council said Hamid’s statements are worrying as it seems that there is an effort by certain parties to undermine the independence and integrity of police, adding that this will have a negative impact on the image, reputation and credibility of the force.
“Therefore, PH urges the home minister to take stern action by investigating the existence of this cartel immediately.
“These cartel elements should not be allowed to infiltrate and control the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) because it will destroy the institution.”
Similar sentiments are also expressed by Muda, which fully supports the IGP’s efforts to eradicate the cartel that has festered in PDRM’s culture and institution.
The Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman-led movement also expressed its readiness to assist the IGP and PDRM to ensure the cartel can be eradicated.
In its list of demands, Muda calls on the police force to:
- Disclose the names of individuals involved in the cartel and corruption cases involving PDRM, including ex-IGPs, politicians and businessmen;
- Conduct investigations and compile their findings into public reports that can be accessed and obtained by the Malaysian community;
- Set up a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to investigate these reports fairly and transparently, and take action against those responsible for the cartel and corruption cases.
Despite the explosive allegations, Hamid said there is no need for an RCI.
In a press conference at Bukit Aman today, he said the matter is under control, and the names of the officers involved will not be revealed.
“The disclosure I made was not to ‘test the market’ or fish for a contract extension. I’m not such a person. It was done so that we will not repeat our mistakes.
“I want them to know that I know what’s going on. I will take action because I know them. I will also discuss with the deputy IGP on the action that we will take.
“Some say this reveal is like airing our dirty laundry in public, (but) we (police) proudly walk around town. We think people respect us, but they are spitting on our backs.”
He said there is nothing wrong with talking about integrity in the force.
“You all (the media) know what happened in the past, how people were afraid to make reports.
“I do not want to create such situations. I want to make police stations a safe space to make complaints.”
Yesterday, Hamid gave an assurance that allegations of a cartel within the force will be addressed without the need to lodge a report with the Police Force Commission (SPP).
“I will convey this matter to Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. There is no need (for a report), but it is up to the minister whether the matter is to be raised to SPP or not.
“Some have asked for an RCI. I would like to stress that it is under control.”
Almost a week ago, Hamid told Sinar Harian that there is a cartel in the force that includes younger officers conspiring to remove him.
He said these officers are the masterminds of a cartel that wants to dominate the country’s security force for personal interest.
“There are efforts by the cartel to disgrace and bring me down.”
Hamid was appointed IGP on a contract basis after his retirement. His contract ends on May 3. – The Vibes, March 23, 2021
